When Playing Hardball Hurts

Friday

Sep 26, 2008 at 4:26 PM

A formal announcement posted on the EliteXC official website last week from Head of Fight Operations, Jeremy Lappen, stated that, "[EliteXC] are stripping KJ of his championship belt for refusing to defend against Diaz…It's a very unfortunate situation but we cannot have belt-holders who refuse to fight the top contenders.

By Jason Perry, southcoast247.com correspondent

A touch of gloves goes out to EliteXC officials for their gutsy, but correct, decision to strip KJ Noons of his lightweight title.

A formal announcement posted on the EliteXC official website last week from Head of Fight Operations, Jeremy Lappen, stated that, "[EliteXC] are stripping KJ of his championship belt for refusing to defend against Diaz…It's a very unfortunate situation but we cannot have belt-holders who refuse to fight the top contenders. We want champions who will fight anyone, anytime, anyplace. That's the mentality all champions should have."

Nearly a month ago on Caught in the Clinch, I touched upon the EliteXC-Noons feud with a little empathy towards both parties. I figured that Noons was held back by his manager, Mark Dion, who is infamous for outlandish negotiating (see: UFC and Brandon Vera). However, when Noons released a verbose statement to MMAjunkie.com that completely blasted EliteXC, I quickly realized that it wasn't a one-person dance of disparagement like I originally thought.

It took two to tango.

Noons was very fortunate to be in the position he was in. I can make a solid argument that Noons didn't even deserve a shot for gold in the first place. Prior to meeting Diaz for the vacant title, Noons' record stood at 1-1 with a devastating first round knockout loss to Charles Bennett. Apparently, EliteXC matchmakers still felt Noons was qualified (read: marketable) enough to fight Diaz for the strap a few months later. But in no shape or form was he the legit number one contender.

I'll give credit where credit's due: Noons' preparation for Diaz paid off. He was the better that night, controversial cut or not. However, I can't agree with how Noons has carried himself as champion since defeating Diaz.

In my eyes, a real champion sets aside any disputes or disagreements with an organization when it comes to defending the title. Upset about a contract? Too bad; you signed it. Renegotiate when you fulfill your obligations. Don't think a fighter deserves a shot? Tough; you're not the matchmaker. I highly doubt UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva pulled a hissy-fit when, as one of the best fighters in the world, his base pay was $30,000 less than Dan Henderson at UFC 82. It's laughable to think that WEC featherweight champ Urijah Faber had tears dripping off his cleft chin when his base pay was $11,000 less than Jens Pulver's earnings in their bout last June.

Both champions stepped up, did what was expected of them, and defended their respective titles.

Noons, on the other hand, did not. With two fights remaining on his contract, he was never in a position to renegotiate. His MMA clout wasn't as strong as he, and manager Mark Dion, thought. Now Noons is strap-less and dealing with a tainted reputation amongst the group that helps pay his bills: the fans.